CPFC Host China's Dream Foundation

24 September 2015

Crystal Palace FC and the Crystal Palace FC Foundation were delighted to play host to some distinguished guests last week as a selection of young people from the Dream Foundation visited one of the CPFC Foundation’s flagship football venues, Kent County Cricket Centre in Beckenham.

The venue is situated directly behind the CPFC training ground and the group was lucky enough to receive a visit from South Korean international and Palace midfielder, Chung-yong Lee.

The young people visiting were selected from the Dream Foundation, which was co-built by JLR and the Soong Chingling Foundation (the former president wife of the Republic of China, who was frequently referred to as the ‘Mother of the Nation’.)

The Charity is dedicated to carrying out its namesake’s life-long cause of improving the lives of underprivileged children in China, promoting the healthy and multi-faceted growth of children, and conducting international exchanges for the same cause.

As the delegation arrived they were greeted by members from the Foundation staff team, CPFC first team Assistant Manager, Keith Millen, and Palace midfielder Chung–Yong Lee who had the pleasure of presenting our Chinese visitors with a signed Crystal Palace FC shirt.

Both Lee and Keith conducted a Q&A session from the youngsters who were particularly interested to learn that Chung-yong Lee had played for South Korea against China in various international encounters, some of which took place in their hometown of Beijing.

With the Eagles soaring in the top half of the Premier League and boasting a recent win over the Champions, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge the Chinese delegation were all too aware of Crystal Palace FC and their recent results. There were certainly some Palace converts among the group, with the experience serving as something they can share amongst their peers and develop our growing relationship and fan base in Asia.

After the presentation the group received a professionally ran coaching session from experienced CPFC Academy coaches, Mark Newson and John Phillips. The Kent County venue boasts a brand new 3G surface, which the boys relished the opportunity to play on and were keen to demonstrate both their footballing ability and willingness to learn and embrace the English game.

This sort of initiative is central to spreading the global brand of Crystal Palace FC, broadening our fan base and increasing our international footprint. The power of the Premier League, with viewers across the globe, allows us to gain supporters from all over the World and really develop our CPFC family.

Gary Mulcahey, Sports Development Director, Crystal Palace FC Foundation, said: “It is our pleasure to host visitors from oversees at Crystal Palace FC and provide them with an insight in to how a Premier League club is ran. This being our third term in the Premier League, the Palace name and badge is becoming renowned across the globe and it is fantastic to be a part of a club with such forward thinking and momentum.

Crystal Palace FC is a family run club, with deep roots in the community and an investment in the welfare of young people so it is great to share this ethos with our friends from Asia.”

Keith Millen, Assistant Manager, Crystal Palace FC, said: “We are now a global club, with global recognition and it is important we share that with our international fans. Crystal Palace FC has grown to new heights in recent seasons and we are delighted to be able to host delegates all the way from China who recognise that success and want to be a part of the Palace following.”

This story originally appeared on the CPFC Foundation's website, which you can visit HERE.